Work With Us

Hourly Rate

$16.83/hour.

Hours/Schedule

Rotating days, including some holidays. Typical working hours are 8AM-4:30PM plus 1 overnight standby hotline shift per week. Shift start and end times may vary. This Assistant Stranding Technician is a 3 day per week contracted position. As needed, this position may rotate 2 or 4 days per week depending on program needs.

Duties

• Maintain daily operations and contribute program continuity as assigned throughout the rehabilitation, response, and necropsy facets of the Stranding Response Program.
• Serve as Response Lead. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Managing daytime and/or overnight hotline
  • Coordinating and participating in field responses for live or deceased marine mammals and sea turtles
  • Driving on roads or beaches along the Virginia Coast
  • Assisting with various response gear inventories and maintenance
• Serve as Rehabilitation Lead or backup. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Utilizing basic clinical skills with incoming, outgoing, and current patients
  • Assisting with animal exams, procedures, and treatments
  • Fulfilling any animal husbandry tasks
  • Driving for live animal transports
• Serve occasionally as Necropsy Assistant. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Sampling
  • Photographing
  • Prosecting assistance
  • Note taking
• Complete data projects, update documents and standard operating procedures, maintain up to date and accurate records as assigned
• Participate in education and outreach events at the Aquarium or in the field
• Supervise, train, and work alongside volunteers and interns
• Ensure cleanliness and biosecurity protocols are upheld throughout rehabilitation, response, and necropsy aspects of the program
• Participate in nesting surveys and sea turtle releases
• Fulfill other assigned tasks to support ongoing programmatic needs

Requirements

• Combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a minimum of one year in the field of marine biology, wildlife biology, zoology, stranding, or animal conservation
• Animal handling and/or restraint
• Customer service
• Record keeping
• Working both independently and as a group

Preferences

• Sea turtle and/or marine mammal handling and/or restraint
• Participation in wildlife rehabilitation or animal medical treatments
• Food preparation
• Necropsy participation
• Data collection and organization
• Large vehicle handling
• Beach driving
• Working with volunteers
• Public speaking
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures
• In depth knowledge of local marine mammals and sea turtles
• Working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums, US Department of Agriculture, Department of Wildlife Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network, Endangered Species Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act

The chosen candidate must have a valid driver’s license, complete all pre-employment and onboarding documents and tasks as well as stay up to date on regular trainings as established by Abacus, the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and the Stranding Response Program. This includes but is not limited to an initial background check and drug test, Defensive Driving, Animal Welfare and Zoonotic Disease courses.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to HMueller@VirginiaAquarium.com with "Assistant Stranding Technician Application" in the subject line.

This is a contracted position through Abacus, therefore any benefits for this role would be obtained directly through Abacus. Through the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, there are opportunities to utilize B & B Dieffenbach Endowed Funds for Abacus staff that have worked at least 500 hours or 6 months at the Aquarium. These funds may be used toward professional development opportunities onsite, virtually, or for regional education.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and client-focused individual to join our Private Events Team as a contractual support staff member. In this role, you will serve as a key point of contact for prospective clients and provide essential behind-the-scenes support to our Private Events Coordinator, helping to create seamless experiences for every client.

Hourly Rate

$16.03

Hours

8-12 hours per week. This is a flexible, part-time contractual position. Shifts vary based on event scheduling and may include evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays. Advance scheduling will be provided whenever possible.

Duties

• Deliver exceptional customer service to prospective and current clients inquiring about venue rental opportunities, ensuring every client feels welcomed and valued from the very first interaction.
• Manage and organize client records and associated documentation, including contracts, payments, and insurance certificates, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Respond to incoming phone and email inquiries, providing venue rental information or gathering client information for timely follow-up by the Private Events Coordinator.
• Schedule Aquarium site tours and independently conduct tours on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) when the Private Events Coordinator is unavailable.
• Provide on-site support during evening events as needed or requested.
• Become an enthusiastic ambassador for the Aquarium – knowing its mission, history, achievements, and vision to share our story with clients.
• Uphold a polished, professional appearance while in uniform and consistently represent the organization’s values.
• Go above and beyond to create meaningful, personalized experiences that inspire, delight, and engage our clients.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• A natural people-person with outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills and passion for hospitality.
• Highly adaptable with the ability to manage shifting priorities in a dynamic event environment.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a people-focused environment and takes pride in supporting colleagues to deliver seamless, memorable events.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and eager to grow within the events industry.
• Availability to work weekends, evenings and occasional holidays is required for this role.

How to Apply

Send a resume by email to PrivateEvents@VirginiaAquarium.com , or by mail to:

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
ATTN: Private Events Coordinator

Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This contract position will be employed through Abacus Staffing Services.

Hourly Rate

$15.45

Hours

20-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Duties

Keep the Aquarium looking and operating great!

• Support the Aquarium’s building and facilities needs by responding to calls and requesting maintenance using a work order database, performing minor repairs, and supporting projects
• Provide professional level communication and support to aquarium staff, city maintenance teams, contractors, and vendors
• Greet all guests with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness
• Always project a professional image while in uniform
• Ability to handle multiple tasks by priority
• Survey the Aquarium to confirm work completion, and report maintenance needs
• Research vendors and suppliers for materials and projects
• Perform paint touch ups
• Must be able to write and communicate clearly
• Able to follow detailed instructions both verbal and written
• Able to lift 50 pounds, climb, stretch, work in tight spaces
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

Preferences

High school diploma and experience with building maintenance, customer service, database use, word processing, Excel, hand tool use and building repairs. Flexible work schedule. Provide enthusiastic support to maintenance personnel, contractors and aquarium staff. Ability to work in the occasional fast paced stressful situation. Great listening skills. Great organizational skills. Self-starter with strong work ethic.

To Apply

Send your resume and cover letter via email to CSinger@VBGov.com . Or mail to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

If selected, applicants will be hired through Abacus Staffing Services.

As part of the Virginia Aquarium Marketing team, the Photographer (Operations Specialist II) provides high-quality images for marketing efforts including advertising, public relations, digital channels (website, social, email) and Aquarium print collateral. The photographer attends events to capture photography that assists the marketing team in telling stories across digital and print media platforms. The Marketing team’s primary purpose is to increase Aquarium attendance and revenues while also supporting the education, conservation, and scientific research mission of the Aquarium.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Take photographs of animals and exhibits for use in a variety of marketing materials
• Take photographs of guests, members, and staff for use in event-specific marketing
• Cover special events related to significant animal events, fundraising events, etc. Events may fall on evenings and weekends.
• Work with Marketing team members to identify photography needs for existing animals and exhibits
• Coordinate and schedule shoots with Brand Manager, and Animal Care, Stranding and other Aquarium sections, as needed
• Maintain photo library, tag photos and work with Brand Manager to keep library organized
• Follow workflow with Brand Manager regarding proofs, selects, retouching and approval processes
• Responsible for maintaining all photographic equipment and studio systems
• Color correct and retouch photos as needed
• Possibility for hybrid work – onsite photography and remote editing
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Experience photographing in low-lighting and with moving subjects
• Experience working with a marketing or creative team
• Ability to seek and receive direction and feedback
• Available to cover programs and special events onsite at the Aquarium, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, as assigned
• Schedule flexibility to cover Aquarium happenings, including unforeseen animal events
• Work approximately 10-14 hours per week
• Update supervisor weekly about project workload and schedule

Rate

$20/hour. Based in Hampton Roads.

How to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate professional-level experience through one of the following:

• Paid commercial, editorial or event photography work (tearsheets or verifiable photographer credits)
• Published work in print or digital media with documented credits
• Completion of formal photography degree, diploma or certification or recognized professional certificate

Hobbyist, personal social media, or self-described photography experience does not satisfy these requirements. If selected for an interview, candidate will be asked to present their portfolio which should contain relevant information about recent and relevant photography work and experience.

To apply, please email your resumé and a link to your portfolio to our Brand Manager, Krista Grabowski, at KGrabowski@VirginiaAquarium.com .

The Virginia Aquarium is looking for a reliable, organized, and people-focused Office Assistant to support our Volunteer Engagement team. This part-time role is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of administrative tasks and in-person interaction, is comfortable communicating with individuals at all levels, and is enthusiastic about supporting volunteer programs. If you’re detail-oriented, a quick learner, and thrive in a friendly, fast-paced office environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Hourly Rate

$16.03

Hours

16-18 hours per week, 4-hour shifts. Must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes mornings and weekends and an occasional evening.

Duties

• Provide general administrative support to the Volunteer Engagement Manager
• Welcome visitors and respond to questions courteously
• Answer and route phone calls; manage volunteer email inbox
• Assist with logistics for on-site and virtual volunteer meetings and events
• Support volunteer recruitment activities
• Process volunteer applications and assist with screening candidates
• Help facilitate volunteer interviews and onboarding
• Prepare monthly recognition reports and maintain volunteer rosters
• Maintain volunteer uniform inventory and office supply levels
• Receive deliveries or pick up uniform orders or other supplies as needed
• Oversee small projects assigned to volunteer office assistants
• Record volunteer hours as needed and perform other duties as assigned
• Operate an Aquarium vehicle on occasion

Requirements

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Clear and professional communication skills
• Customer service mindset and comfort interacting with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a busy office environment
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office; willingness to learn new digital systems
• Ability to bend/lift up to 25 lbs.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Experience with office administration, data entry, and standard office software and equipment
• Defensive Driving, First Aid with CPR, and Ladder Safety training provided during onboarding

Preferences

• Previous administrative support or office experience
• Experience working with volunteers or in customer-facing environments
• Experience with CRM/HRIS systems
• Conservation or marine science knowledge or interest (not required)

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to SReid@VirginiaAquarium.com with "Volunteer Engagement Office Assistant" in the subject line. Candidates whose experience best matches the role will be invited to a phone screen interview. Finalists will participate in an in-person interview and a brief skills assessment. The successful candidate will be hired and employed as a contractor through Abacus Staffing Services. The deadline to submit applications is September 9.